Holly’s backstory is touched on, and I was horrified by what she went through in her past, captured and tortured by Uram, an archangel who went insane. She witnessed the brutal murders of her friends and then was force fed his blood changing her into a vampire and more. The experience could’ve easily broken her, but she had the archangel Raphael and all his clan (not sure if that’s the right word) at her back. Not only that, she’s had the unconditional support of her family, not caring what she’s turned into, they still love her without reserve. Holly’s definitely a strong, admirable woman.

The more that she’s turning into is what worries Holly, because she’s plagued with crazy thoughts and powers she shouldn’t rightly have as just a vampire. She fears Uram left a bit of himself in her that might eventually consume and overtake her. Add to that, there’s a bounty put on her head. Someone has paid a high price to acquire Holly.

Enter Viper. They’ve apparently had an antagonistic relationship since meeting and he’s back at the Tower in Manhattan where she lives. Worse, the two of them are assigned to work together to find the person who wants to capture Holly. But as they work together they come to realize they have more in common than any of the other creatures at the Tower, and the attraction neither has wanted to acknowledge increases and electrifies!

Viper and Holly’s romance was a slow build, first a bit of sniping back and forth, and then mutual respect, trust forming a bond that made their attraction more than a fleeting feeling. Viper was a sought-after chef before he become a vampire, hundreds of years ago, so he cooks up the most delicious sounding meals for Holly to care for her, which seduces her even more. I love it when a man (my husband, lol) cooks for me and does it well!

I’ve read and loved books from Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling series, but had never picked up anything in her Guild Hunter series, so I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy it as much as I did; coming in blind, unfamiliar with the world or creatures. I was immersed in the mysteries and worried for Holly as the story progressed. It was a thrilling nail-biter in places! I’m sure any fan of the series will love Viper’s Archangel just as much as I did or more!

A copy was kindly provided by Berkley Books in exchange for an honest review.

Archangel's Viper by Nalini Singh is the tenth book in her Guild Hunter series. I LOVE Nalini Singh and I am completely obsessed with her writing and the fabulous worlds she creates. Finally, in Archangel's Viper we get the much awaited Venom's story. Now before I dive in to the review I'd just like to point out that this is a series and should be read in order. I guess you could read it out of order if you wanted to but there are too many connected threads and recurring characters. The vast dynamics of this world would be best enjoyed in order.

Now let's start with Holly. Holly Chang is our heroine. We know from the previous books that she has been through a lot. More than any near immortal should have to go through. Now someone has a bounty on her head and she can't control the voice in her head. Holly needs Venom's help if she wants to get through this. I really admired Holly. She was a strong heroine though she was young and inexperienced in the immortal world.

Then we have Venom. The vampire who is a mix of vipers and cobras and who always comes off as coolly sophisticated. I love Venom. There was so much history to his character and the bond he shared with the remaining Raphael's Seven was unbreakable. Venom tried so hard not to let Holly get under his skin but he failed time and time again. Holly made him feel things he didn't want to and soon he was falling hard for her.

I loved Holly and Venom together. They were a compatible pair even if it did not look like it on the surface. I have to say that the romance in this book was significantly less as compared to other Nalini Singh books. These two definitely took their time with each other. Also, with the amount of unknown variables in their situation it was easy to see that they had to concentrate on other things too.

I loved seeing the rest of the gang. Dimitri and Honor were amazing as always and so were Ashwini and Janvier. We got some glimpses of Illium as well and I just want to know if the Aodhan-Illium ship will sail or no. While reading I did want more romance but Venom and Holly had their own way of caring for each other. Nalini Singh's writing is impeccable as usual and it never fails to remind me why I love her books so much. So even though Archangel's Viper was not my favourite in the series it was still a really good read.

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

When i requested this, I didn't realize how hard it would be to follow along in this book. Yes, I knew it was a series, but I thought this was a standalone novel. And while it is the book for these two characters, I spent most of the book feeling like I was missing something, and it took away from my enjoyment of it.

Nalini Singh is a go to author for paranormal romance, I adore here. I'm glad she wrote an Asian female main character, as we don't see a lot of diversity in romance. Despite not connecting with this book by Singh, I will gladly read more by her.

Nalini Singh has never disappointed me, and Archangel's Viper is no exception. I love the diversity and uniqueness of her characters, and I like the continuing story arcs so that we see prior characters and couples in abundance. Every time I read a new book in this series, it makes me want to go back and read the others all over again!

So our heroine in this story is Holly "Sorrow" Chang, who you may remember from the very early books as being one of the survivor's of the insane archangel, Uram. Holly suffered unbearably at Uram's hands and it has taken her some time to start coping with the effects of his magic and torture left on her mind and body. Luckily, Holly has a loving and supportive family, and she has been taken into the fold at the Tower. I really enjoyed the special bond that formed between Dmitri and Holly, and it made me want to go back and read the stories that highlighted Dmitri's relationship with Nassir.

I have been curious about Venom and his viper eyes since very early in this series. I suspected that he would have a tragic backstory with his maker being Neha, but he seems to still hold her in high regard. Venom helped to humanize Neha and soften her visage as the deadly poisonous Archangel that has come to be an enemy of Raphael. I do wish that we would've gotten more Venom's backstory, info about his upbringing and making, but that is because I was greedy for information about him. I had a soft spot for his broody side, the one that

The relationship between Venom and Holly was playfully contentious. There was a lot of fun teasing and snark between the two, while the chemistry built as the story progressed. I liked that Venom didn't treat Holly like a broken flower, and instead helped her to manage her abilities and not be afraid of them. I think it will mean a stronger relationship for them in the long run. I didn't feel like there was a major focus on the relationship in this installment, instead we were trying to uncover a plot to kidnap Holly and learn more about her emerging powers. But I have a feeling that we will see Venom and Holly continue growing together in future books.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Berkley.

KISSED BY POISON
Archangel’s Viper is the tenth novel in the wildly popular Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh. Holly Chang was rescued from an insane archangel, but not before he turned Holly into a vampire against her will. She has spent the last few years learning to cope with her new reality, while under the Guild Hunters’ protection. But she’s a unique being and no one truly knows her potential or what lives inside her. Only Viper, the vampire whose bite also carries poison like Holly’s, knows what terror stalks her dreams. When Viper and Holly investigate an attempt on her life, they stumble upon a secret from her past that no one anticipated.

Viper has always been drawn to Holly but nothing prepared him for the explosion of lust and love that hits him when her life is threatened. He’ll do anything to keep her safe, but he knows she may have to die in order to save the world. How can either of them balance their need for each other against the sacrifice their honor may demand?

Ms. Singh is unparalleled in her ability to produce epic world building and riveting, unforgettable characters. Toss in intrigue, danger, affection and seduction, and readers are in for a rare treat.

These characters were… everything!

It is always so easy to lose myself in Nalini Singh’s world of archangels, guild hunters and other-worldly beings. The characters are intense, their situations, more often than not, deadly yet there is a lighthearted thread that makes me smile even through the squeemy bits.

Small but mighty, Holly is fierce as she comes to terms with the life-altering changes she’s had to endure. I ached as she mourned her losses while embracing the love and acceptance from her old, and new families. Her challenges weren’t over and living may be harder than dying as the battles continue. With Venom at her side, though, she is going to have a fighting chance…

Holly and Venom are delicious together as they battle against an unknown enemy. They trade barbs and insults like old friends but there is such warmth between them that the arguments only made me smile. Bitingly sarcastic yet the emotions, the feelings, underneath them hit my heart dead on. Viper is handsome inside and out as he slowly unveils what makes him so protective and loving…

“You never wanted to be a vampire.”
“Yes, but that was before you… I don’t mind sucking your blood for millennia.”

I LOVED this heart-wrenching and soul-warming story and can’t wait for more! ~Diane, 5 stars

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆☆
Venom and Holly’s (Sorrow) story has been much anticipated for many, many books… and it was well worth the wait.

Venom is one of the Archangel Rafael’s Seven, but he’s also one-of-a-kind. The vampire has attributes more closely related to a viper than the rest of his brethren. Quick as a snake, with sinuous movements, and a venomous bite, Venom has always emotionally kept himself apart from others.

Years ago, Holly was just a college student, dreaming of growing up to become a clothing designer while hanging out with her girlfriends. During Uram’s rampage, Holly and her friends were snatched from the street and tortured, leaving something behind with Holly. Life freezing before her last growth spurt, suffering for years to come to terms with the ‘monster’ she feels Uram created, Holly was Sorrow.

In Archangel’s Viper, Sorrow is in a better place, reclaiming not only her name, but her heritage and family. Holly is more even-keeled, living and working for the Tower, trying to carve out a semblance of a life while she deals with being ‘not’ truly human, but not truly a vampire, while also holding angelic DNA.

For books (years), Holly and Venom have had a mentor/student, antagonizers relationship. Readers anticipated their story, watching the interplay during previous books. Baiting. Push/pull. Silly nicknames. Sparring. Bloodshed. This is only ramped up during Archangel’s Viper.

Venom hasn’t been stationed at the Tower for a long time, engaging in only weekly calls with Holly. At the start of the novel, Venom comes home and the attraction and antagonism ratchets up many degrees.

There’s a price on Holly’s head, and she and Venom work together to not only figure out who is trying to kidnap her, but also for Holly to embrace who she truly is.

For the two venomous, one-of-a-kind creatures, the sexual tension is heavy, emotions run high, but the story still takes the forefront. Who is trying to kidnap Holly and why? What is Holly? Will Dimitri have to put Holly down like a rabid dog?

Archangel’s Viper was a page-turner, where I read it in a single sitting, refusing to be torn from the story. Singh did an amazing job delivering on a story readers have been much anticipating, all the while seeding for future books.

Show of hands, who else is ravenous for Illium and Aodhan’s story? Please, please, please, please, Ms. Singh, give us the BFFs story next. Please?! Please go there. Bluebell deserves to be with his best friend. Please?!

I highly recommend for Urban Fantasy fans (make sure to start at the beginning of the series with Angels’ Blood).


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
This story is a wonderful treat for the senses – I’d almost forgotten how much I love Nalini Singh’s writing in this series. There is a beautiful, lyrical quality to some passages in this story and I found myself falling in love with Singh’s slightly dystopian New York all over again.

Venom has been an intriguing character since the first book and I really loved him here, in his own story. His snake eyes and his venom have made him a beautiful and dangerous enigma – but the fear his powers instill has also isolated him from all but the most powerful of Raphael’s people. I loved the glimpses we get of his vulnerability and I loved the heartbreaking story of his making.

Holly is a complete surprise. We saw her first as the broken, nearly dead victim of a deranged archangel. When her story starts, she is coming to grips with a non-human future and growing abilities that set her apart from humans, vampires, and angels. We watch as Holly gains power, confidence, and an unsettling sense of otherness. In many ways, this book is as much about Holly finding her place in the world as it is about the beautiful relationship that builds between her and Venom.

The romantic connection between Holly and Venom is slow and sensual. But their relationship isn’t just about romance. I love them as playful friends, as mentor and mentee, and I love them as partners confronting danger together.

All the best Urban Fantasy stories use an altered reality to explore the big ideas. Here, Holly wrestles with issues of immortality and humanity. She is an outsider searching for an identity and a sense of belonging. I’ve loved this series from the beginning and I continue to love the way it forces me to consider life and love from a unique perspective.

It’s Venom’s turn! Archangels Viper is book 10 in the Guild Hunter Series by Nalini Singh featuring Holly and Venom. This series is amazing and takes place in a world of intrigue where angels, vampires and humans live together. There is a clear hierarchy where angels essentially rule. Vampires are created by angels and in exchange for the “gift” of near immortality must serve their creator over a contracted period. The world building is spectacular and characters very well developed.

I’ve always had a soft spot for the deadly yet charming vampire. With eyes like a viper, characteristics of a snake and a bone-dry sense of humor Venom truly is one of a kind. A perfect fit as one of the deadly “Seven” making up Archangel Raphael’s guard.

The last time Venom saw our heroine Holly, she was a shattered victim of an archangel gone mad. Turned against her will she becomes her own version of unique. Neither full vampire nor human, she’s an oddity stuck in her own personal hell. However, when Venom returns two years later he’s greeted with a Holly who’s slowly taking her life back but hasn’t lost her snarkiness and razor-sharp wit. But it’s clear there’s a fragile bond between they share some similar abilities making them alike yet not.

I loved how these two interacted. Their snarky, sarcastic banter was constantly making me smile.

But what I really loved was Venom’s absolute faith in Holly and her abilities. He sees her for the strong woman she is. Venom’s constant support ultimately helps Holly accept her powers and in part come to terms with her “otherness”.

With that said, while I liked Venom and Holly together I wasn’t totally feeling the passion between them. I felt a strong connection but not necessarily the hot and passionate kind described in the book. Don’t get me wrong there was some definite heat near the end but the deep abiding love didn’t fully resonate with me. But it was minor and didn’t take away from the overall story.

One of this authors’ many talents is the ability to weave truly rich characters into a plot that snatches your attention from the first page to the last. I don’t think I’ve read anything by Nalini Singh that didn’t have a great plot and some amazing characters!

4.5 stars--ARCHANGEL’S VIPER is the tenth full-length installment in Nalini Singh’s adult GUILD HUNTER dystopian/UF/paranormal series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is vampire Venom, one of the Seven, Raphael’s private guard, and newly Made ‘vampire’ Holly Chang. ARCHANGEL’S VIPER can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for background and cohesion as many events in the current time line are as of a direct result of previous happenings and premises.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Venom and Holly) ARCHANGEL’S VIPER focuses on the search for the person(s) responsible for placing a five million dollar bounty on our heroine’s head. With the Cascade-an event that causes massive power fluctuations and other changes among the members of the Cadre- in motion, the Archangel Uram’s bloodlust was out of control, and Holly Chang became one of his victims to survive. Although destroyed by the Archangel Raphael, the fallout of Uram’s mindless brutality has left our heroine lost; without direction; not knowing the who or what of her newly ‘made’ body, Enter Venom, one of Raphael’s private guards known as the Seven, and the man with whom Holly will fall in love. As Holly and Venom struggle to uncover the truth behind the five million dollar bounty, Holly is pulled in another direction-a pull she is unable to ignore.

The relationship between Venom and Holly is acrimonious; a love-hate relationship that pushes the boundaries of mentor and friend. Their back and forth snarky banter is sexually charged but Venom doesn’t do relationships believing himself too damaged to fall in love towards a happily ever after. Venom’s Maker gifted our hero with a lethal poison that few can survive and finding a kindred spirit in newly made Holly Chang gives our hero a potential prospect for the future-a future with an unknown expiry date due to inexplicable talents and powers of our story line heroine. Holly Chang’s Maker was killed by the Archangel Raphael but what remains behind has taken control of its’ victim, leading her on a journey to the other side of the world. With Raphael sequestered with the meeting of the Cadre of Archangels, Holly and Venom follow the pull of the darkness within.

Unlike many of the other story lines in the series ARCHANGEL’S VIPER is limited in the amount of action; there are no battles or fight scenes except the internal battle Holly wages with herself and the ‘other’.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the leader of the group of Seven Dimitri, Jason, Janvier, Ashwini, Illium, Guild Hunter Vivek Kapur, Angel Kanasha, Archangel Michaela, several members of The Legion, and a number of lesser known vampires including Daisy, Holly’s acquaintances Magnus, Zeph and Arabella as well as Holly’s human sister Mia, and their parents Allan and Daphne Chang. Raphael makes a cameo appearance as Holly battles the other for control.

ARCHANGEL’S VIPER is a fantastic story of friendship, family, power and control. Holly Chang is a woman desperate to understand the who and what of her growing power-every day her abilities begin to mimic Archangelic abilities and the only explanation is no longer alive. The premise is spirited and energetic; the characters are passionate and inspiring; the romance is passionate but slow to build-the $ex scenes are limited and mostly implied. ARCHANGEL’S VIPER is a compelling and enticing story line where one of Raphael’s Seven finds his heart and his happily ever after.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

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Holly and Venom's romance was hinted at thought the previous books and we saw a bit of their interactions and her development, but in this book they had no chemistry, and the relationship had no tension and no conflict whatsoever. I don't know what happened. It felt like the book was sleepwalking through the plot and romance, which is a shame because I like Holly and she deserves better. Meh.

Archangel's Viper, the 10th in her darker action-packed Guild Hunter series, finally brings fans Holly (Sorrow) and Venom's story. Engaging and witty with a strong narrative and a well-blended mixture of romance and urban fantasy. I enjoyed getting to know Venom and Holly better, seeing the similarities in their backgrounds and the impact family has on you, even centuries later. The conflict surrounding Holly's changing was interesting but odd, especially the reveal and resolution. The romance was sweet with a bite though some may find the lack of on-page sex disconcerting. Frankly, it wasn't an issue for me.

All in all an enjoyable adventure. I'm more than ready for book 11 which I hope brings us more Raphael and Elena or finally gives us Aodhan and Illium.

He may be the youngest immortal in the archangel Raphael’s elite guard, but Venom is just as dangerous as the rest of the Seven. Having been Made by the Queen of Snakes, Venom is a unique and deadly creation. He’s also been a mystery to us and I’m so glad we finally have his book!

I’ve enjoyed Venom’s snarky banter and his ruthless wit throughout the series. He’s forbidden fruit and could tempt the most divine immortals to fall. He may look like a gorgeous supermodel you’d happily be seduced by, but beneath Venom’s skin lies a lethal creature with poison so virulent, you’ll be begging for death.

Holly was just a young and carefree twentysomething when she was kidnapped with several of her friends by a crazy madman. Having been tortured in unspeakable ways, Holly was changed on a fundamental level. Trying to find her new place in the world, she’s starting to be happy again. But she’s hiding a deadly secret. Not only that, Holly’s got this big a**hole with stupid sunglasses who’s made it his life’s work to forever be a thorn in her side. Whether it’s calling her annoying nicknames or making fun of her “kitty fangs," Holly loathes Venom with every cell in her body. If only he’d find someone else to torture 😊

As with all Nalini Singh books, ARCHANGEL’S VIPER is exciting, thrilling and brilliantly put together! I loved every page of it! Holly and Venom love to hate each other and their constant ribbing had me laughing every single time. The ultimate antagonists, their banter was the comic relief that balanced the heavier aspects of the book.

I love Holly. She’s a survivor and I loved watching her grow into her maturity. She constantly battles adversity and NEVER stops fighting. Holly is a kick-ass heroine and I admired her greatly.

Venom is the same old Venom. He’s infuriating, aggravating and devastatingly sexy. Even though I’m not a big fan of snakes, Venom started to grow on me as the story went on. It was interesting to learn about his past and why he’s become a jaded, cynical vampire.

ARCHANGEL’S VIPER exceeds all my expectations and I never wanted it to end! However, I am looking forward to the next Guild Hunter book. Could it finally be Illium’s book? Or maybe Aodhan? Or maybe a secondary character gets a chance to shine… or it could be another Raphael and Elena book. Whichever way the series flows, you better believe I’ll be a ride-or-die reader until the end!

I whole-heartedly recommend this and every book by Nalini Singh!

I voluntarily read a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

Though I have probably said it already, I'd like to start with pointing out again that it is not by chance that I return with a Nalini book. Because she is just the favorite for me, emphasis on the the. So I might be a little biased, but I can't help it, I just love as good as every story that comes from her hands. Archangel's Viper is not an exception.

We met both the herione and the hero of the book early in the series, and their names and scenes popped up quite a lot of times. Not just in the other books, but among us fans as well, on Nalini's public sites. Either way, many of us suspected and simply felt there was something between Venom and Holly - Sorrow for a time. I know there were some readers who didn't like the idea, but as for me, I couriously and impatiently waited for that something to unfold.

Well, it has.

As I'd like to keep this as spoiler-free as possible, I would not go into the details of the plot very much, just say that I liked the storyline - it was kind of dual, with the bounty on Holly's head and also the changes in her, but still one complete. Though in the second half of the book, it was rather Holly's changing powers that got in the forefront, I think it was rational and connected to the events from before. The only thing I can say as negative is that some scenes felt a little too dragged out, prolongated.

As for the relationship between the main couple, it pretty much picked up where we left it, the 'only' difference is it is with Holly, not Sorrow - and she is sensibly stronger in a mental and physical sense, too. And the outcome is such a fun and fascinating banter and teasing that I have never wanted to stop...

"The real Holly Chang was a complex and intense creature, sometimes bitter, simetimes sweet, and always dangerous. 'Does it hurt to bite your tongue do hard?' he asked with faux concern. Holly didn't miss a beat. 'I'm in a car with you - I clearly have a high pain treshold.'(...)"

...so it is good that it continues, even after they admit to have feelings for each other. Though I know some readers have found the romance lacking or even sudden after all this bantering, but I think that Venom and Holly's story was rather about finding the subtle clues in their attitude and changes in their emotions. Because clues were there from the start - for example how Venom remembered what Holly liked to eat and drink, and how Holly always wanted that 'stupid sunglasses' off. These little signs get more frequent and direct through the book. So when they do surrender to their feelings, it is obvious that they are a match and they only will be stronger and more complete together.

"Holly Chang. Sorrow. Kitty. Hollyberry. No matter what he called her, she was the most dangerous adversary he'd ever faced. Because once that switch flipped on, he knew it would never, ever turn off."

And we shouldn't forget that even in our mere mortal lives every relationship is different, from the start, the courtship until the end. When we talk about centuries or even milennia of living, it is not so surprising to read totally diverse stories. If everyone would be the same with the same past and personality, maybe they would live and love the same way. But it wouldn't be so interesting, and the Seven wouldn't be the Seven, for example.


What I really love in Nalini Singh's book about the romance is she always founds out what is the right love confession for every couple. I think what Venom says to Holly at the end and vice versa is just simply perfect for them. (I let everybody find it for their own, it is a little spoilery.)

All in all, I think Holly has become one of my favorite heroines of all time. She not only developed since we last seen her, but also throughout the book. She is a very stong-willed and self-conscious person. And while from the subscription it seems like Venom is backstaged in the book, he is very much present, and helps her through the strenghtening - while changing himself. I'm glad that we see under the cool and collected facade, we learn the why of it, and get to know the truth of him.


I always love seeing the other characters in some scenes, it resulted in some of the best ones for me in this book, too. For example the car race between a viper green Bugatti and a certain Ferrari. This way we can keep track of them and get to know new things, which probably does not seem very important at the time, but it gives credit to the world of changing powers - like Ashwini's sparring technique. And it is really nice to see the members of the Seven interact, to see the exact relations between them, because it is not always the same. I find Dmitri's fatherly role with not one, but two characters now, intriguing - and also right for him. This way, we are able to glimpse him softening not just with his wife, before he goes right to being the 'Dark Overlord' - in one book again. What I miss in this regard is maybe more interaction between the women.

As for the twist and turns, it very well written again. As we advance in the series, we see such things that shows us we have not seen everything in this world, not by a long chance. I mean for example some beings that we wouldn't have thought to be able to exist when we read the first book. But it somehow makes sense for me, that when there are only three separate species in theory, when someone gets bored - or mad - during his or her thousands of years, some experiments are successful.

Or when you are an insane archangel that everyone thinks dead, you want to come back in the grossest way possible. And I'm not talking about everyone's hated villain, Lijuan.


And what I'd like to highlight some more again, is the descriptions of people, places anf feelings. I think Singh really hits the mark when it gets to being able to invest oneself in a book, and imagine everything that is written. Not only the appearances of the caharcters are vivid and unique, the buildings and locales are very detailed and various. (I was happy to see my home country, Hungary!)

But what is the most wonderful for me is the sensations and emotions. They are so right in their moments, you can't help but sympathize with the characters. For example when Holly's talking with the Legion, you just feel the need with her to strangle them after a time, besides wondering about them. This is only a small case, but you feel the bigger, more stressed ones as well, like Venom's fear for her.

To make this long story short, in my opinion this book was a great addition to the others in the series. It is a unique story of two equally, if not more so, unique souls finding each other, and becoming the perfect mate for the one who is similar but not the same. But even this similarity is rare in this world Nalini Singh has created.

In my opinion it was perfect for them, a 5 star read, and I hope we'll see Viper Face and his unicorn kitty in the coming books.

And I can't wait for what is next in this intriguing and ever-changing series.


Copy generously provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

The buildup for Viper and Holly (aka Sorrow) has been several books in the making, and I couldn't wait to experience these two finally coming together. My expectations were of the highest level and Singh did not disappointed. I was pleasantly surprised with the majority of the storyline and find this installment to be one of my favorites in the series.

If you're like me and tend to forget half of the series events in between books, have no fear. Singh does a fantastic job of recapping, without being tedious or repetitive. Even if you have skipped a few books in the series, this is an excellent place to restart.

Venom is the quintessential badboy we all relish in the PNR world. The questions I've had for 9 books are answered about the illusive vampire. I enjoyed getting to learn about his early life and the events that shaped his character. Holly's transformation is amazing, and I feel this series continues to deliver strong and dynamic heroines. It is a long and emotional process for Holly, but it feels true to everything she has endured. I was shocked by the tender relationship she shares with Dmitri. The depth of his character continues to awe me, despite being 10 books into the series.

Since this is Venom and Holly, there is endless banter and snarky comments. The sexual tension between these two is intense. Because of their relationship and Holly's past, this is definitely the slowest of burns. I wondered if they would ever come to realize their true feelings for each other. I am a sucker for a slow burn, and this one nearly tested my patience. However, I truly adored "Volly"!

Archangel's Viper isn't as action packed as some of its predecessors, but I appreciated the slower pace and less earth saving saga. The mystery aspect is intriguing and makes up for the lack of angel wars. There are appearances by beloved favorites and new potential storylines emerge. I cannot wait for the next installment and think most fans of the series will enjoy this one too.

A huge thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for my advanced of Archangel's Viper.

4 Wine Glass #Review of Archangel's Viper by Nalini Singh
CRYSTAL'S THOUGHTS:

Forged in fire, Holly Chang (A.K.A. Sorrow) was first introduced in book one. The victim of the demented archangel, Uram, Holly was irrevocably changed by his blood and no one knows the full scope of those changes. But someone dearly wants to...and is willing to pay good money for the rare treasure they see her as...Finding out who is behind the price on her head, will take Holly to the gritty underworld of the Angel's and Vampires, a life far outside of the Tower. Good thing Holly knows all about the darkness within.

Venom, one of Raphael's illustrious Seven, has been charged with helping Holly uncover the one who hunts her, and protecting her from not only those anonymous players, but from the darkness she carries. A darkness that not only calls to him despite how hard he fights it, but one that he shares. An otherness that he can relate to.

Archangel's Viper spans the time that Elena and Raphael are in Morocco for the Cadre meeting during Archangel's Heart. Holly and Venom are uncovering who is hunting Holly while also discovering her burgeoning powers. The story takes readers on a smart and sexy thrill ride though the streets of New York. I loved all of the little intricacies woven into the plot. The breathtaking action and the irresistible characters, inside and outside of the Tower, kept me turning the pages.

Individual, I really liked Holly and Venom, they challenged each other nicely. Venom always seemed to be one of the more darker members of the group, so I was glad to see that Holly could bring out a lighter side in him despite her own internal demons. I enjoyed learning more about his character, his making, and the consequences of it. I would have liked to see more of the growth that Holly/Sorrow experienced in the background of the first nine books though, her acceptance of the person she is today. Holly's power and potential has been a mystery until now, and she truly is a bad-ass.

As a couple though, and I hate to say this considering Singh is usually such a master at balancing action, intrigue, and romance... However, I found Archangel's Viper to be lacking in the romantic department. Venom and Holly were a fun 'enemies turned lovers' couple. The snarky banter and lively dialogue between the two were potent, and I think they really complemented each other. Their relationship was slow burning though and I never felt that spark between them. Yes, there was an attraction, some minor tension, and definitely a few hot sexy times, but it was missing that true soul-deep connection. That, "I can't live without you" vibe, which kept me from falling head over flip-flops for them.

The plot took an unexpected twist that called Raphael and Michaella onto the pages as something is pulling Holly away, an entity that is so gruesome I found myself cringing while reading. It seemed crazy but totally understandable knowing the history between Uram and Michaella. I apologize if I am being a little vague in my review but I don't want to spoil anything. Just know that while unexpected, it totally isn't and fits into the over-all series arc well! lol

Bottom line; The Guild Hunter series from author Nalini Singh, is a series that I always eagerly anticipate the releases to. With dynamic world building, vivid characterizations, and compelling story-lines, I know that Singh will deliver a story that will stick with me for a long time to come and Archangel's Viper was no exception. I recommend that you read this series in order, and it will very-much be worth it. Pinky swear. Because while this book focuses on one main couple, there is so much going on in the background, and with other characters, you're going to miss some substantial story-line if you just jump in here. I encourage you to pick up this series today!

Holly Chang had been turned into a vampire against her will, and has been struggling to control her impulses. Outside of the usual structure for vampire creation, she is able to talk with those the elites would never even notice. There's a bounty on her head, however, and the powers she has aren't like those of an ordinary vampire. Viper is one of the Tower's most trustworthy vampires and something like an assassin in his own right. As much as they class, he is one of the few capable of keeping her safe.

This is part of the Guild Hunter series, and I was at a disadvantage for not having read the prior novels. But there was enough detail given in character conversations and the hint of backstory that I could go along with it; it probably also helps that there isn't a vampire trope yet that I haven't been able to understand.

Apparently, there are angels and archangels here as well as vampires, and other creatures with abilities of their own. I found that part fascinating enough that I might try to find earlier books in the series. (Thinking of my to be read piles, however...)

It's a common trope that Holly and Viper can't stand each other at first, yet they're most comfortable around the other. Of course, there's danger and mystery, and the two not only have a connection, it's enough to overcome the fears they have about relationships.

The romance part of this paranormal romance novel is pretty par for the course, and I didn't find that as exciting as the powers and machinations between angels and vampires. It's definitely worth exploring more of this universe and the characters in it.

Taking place at the same time as Archangel's Heart, Archangel's Viper follows the members of Raphael's Seven who stayed in New York to hold down the fort while Raphael and Elena are away. Specifically, it follows everyone's favorite venomous vampire as Venom, rather accidentally, finds true love. Long time readers of the Guild Hunters series may remember Holly Chang, once known as Sorrow, as the girl Elena and Raphael rescued from the insane Archangel Uram in Angel's Blood. Holly is beginning to accept her new life as a not-quite vampire but no-longer human. She works with Janvier, Dimitri and others to keep New York safe. She has reconnected with her family, and the nightmares of her torture by Uram aren't quite 24/7 anymore. But, like Vemon and Nassir (Archangel's Enigma) Holly is unique. And in this world of immortals and angels, unique is not always a safe thing.

Because of her fast reflexes and poisonous bite, Holly is assigned to Venom for training. Where others treat her gently, Venom treats her the same as any other new recruit. He pushes her, annoys her, and makes her test her limits. When a botched kidnapping attempt alerts them to a bounty on Holly's head, Venom is the natural partner to help her figure out who's behind it. But things become complicated and past becomes present as Uram's shadow continues to haunt Holly and it turns out that the past may not be quite as behind them as everyone thought.

As enjoyable as Elena is, the Guild Hunter books who follow the 'secondary' characters are just as good, if not better. Each of Raphael's elite Seven is unique in some way and we've been able to get to know the men behind the warriors in these books. Venom may be one of the ones we know the least about, so it's no surprise how eagerly anticipated Archangel's Viper is by fans! I think everyone will agree this story was worth their wait. Holly has grown into a strong woman who may still be working on her confidence, but is learning in leaps and bounds and carving a place for herself in the Tower. She and Venom have a nicely antagonistic relationship from the beginning that shows a great chemistry- even though neither believes it at first. Venom thinks she's too young for him, Holly thinks he's a jerk. But in the best Nalini Singh tradition, the more they work together, the more they discover about each other- and themselves. Emotions like love sneak up on both of them, which really worked here. Neither was looking for a relationship with anyone, especially each other, so it felt like a genuine journey of discovery on both sides. I also liked how, even though Venom thought Holly was too young for him as a woman, he treated her as an equal partner in their investigation from the beginning. She didn't have to prove herself to him, if anything he proved to her what she was capable of.

Much of the conflict in Viper comes from Holly's past trauma and what Uram did to her, but I don't think readers who haven't already read Angels' Blood will be lost. There's enough background given and Holly does enough flashbacks, that new readers will catch up quickly. Holly's story is one that she herself is still discovering, and the questions readers (new and old alike) have are questions Holly is looking for answers to: what did Uram do to her? What is she now? Why does she have the abilities she has, and what is the darkness inside of her? The answers we get by the end are both a surprise and not a surprise. Holly has to learn what Nassir and Venom, and plenty other Nalini Singh characters, have learned: you are unique, an individual, and it is your choices that make you what you are, not what others try to label you.

A great addition to a great series- Nalini Singh fans and paranormal romance fans will love Archangel's Viper!

Link for review will be added when review posts 09/26/2017

I was kind of surprised when it was announced that Venom would be the next member of Raphael’s Seven to get his own book. Maybe I’m too focused on Bluebell and Sparkle? Because yeah, I’m still on the Bluebell and Sparkle forever train. That’s not to say that I wasn’t intrigued by Venom and his uniqueness, I just, you know was focused elsewhere. Then I found out that Holly aka Sorrow would be his heroine and I was like… okay, you got me.

As far as timing, Archangel’s Viper takes place during the events of the previous installment, Archangel’s Heart. So you won’t see much of Raphael, and no Elena or Aodhan. The Tower has been left in the capable hands of Dmitri, Honor, and Illium. Venom is back in town and he and Holly pick up right where they left off sniping at each other and exchanging insults. So much so that I kind of wondered how this lust and love thing would develop between them. They are paired together pretty much from the get go when it comes to their attention that a bounty has been put on Holly’s head and someone wants her taken alive. But that’s not the only thing they have to worry about. Holly’s powers are growing and  although she has fought hard to contain whatever Uram left inside her during his torturous last moments before Raphael ended his life, she worries that some day she will become too dangerous and therefore a liability.

Venom and Holly are both unique to the Vampire/Angel world. He is a vampire of only about 350 years who was made in the Archangel Neha’s court and bears many similarities to the vipers and cobras she is able to call. I didn’t know much about his background prior to Archangel’s Viper, but Ms. Sigh does an excellent job of allowing his backstory to trickle onto the page throughout the book so that by the end I really felt like I got to know him. Holly, if you remember, was the lone survivor of the Archangel Uram’s bloody rampage that ended when Raphael defeated him in the skies above New York in the first book in the series, Angel’s Blood. She is still living with the nightmares, but has decided to live life again and has embraced her family and is working and training at the Tower. No one really knows how Uram changed her with his blood. She doesn’t fit into any box and has abilities unseen in other vampires. They really are a perfect match for each other.

Their romance is slow and develops quite naturally. Two people who have suffered and come out the other side so different from where they started. Stronger, yet scarred by their memories and experiences. Their uniqueness and ability to accept each other as equals is what draws them to each other. I wasn’t too sure of them as a couple when the book opened, but by the last page I was a Venom/Holly fangirl. Their romance really was quite lovely.

Now that the only remaining members of the Seven are Illium and Aodhan, I’m hoping we won’t have to wait too long for their story. (Yes, I said story, as in one) I can’t imagine a more epic, romantic, passionate love story than these friends falling into love and realizing they are each other’s forever. Doesn’t that just sound amazing?

Favorite Quote:

“Tushar.” That was all it took. His name. His long-ago true name on her lips and his back bowed as he lost control for the first time in hundreds of years.”

Archangel’s Viper is a total rush. Venom and Holly’s story was so engaging that I risked a sleepless night (and being a zombie at work) because I didn’t want to put the book down.

Four years ago, Holly Chang was kidnapped and tortured by an insane archangel. In the time since her rescue, Holly has worked and fought to make a new life for herself, knowing she can never go back to who she once was. I loved Holly’s spirit, her unwillingness to give in or take the easy road. She can stand toe-to-toe with far more powerful immortals and not be dwarfed by their presence. And Holly does all this without ever seeming too perfect a heroine. Her strength shines because we can see how vulnerable she is as well. There’s an otherness inside her, a deadly presence the archangel Uram left within her, and it’s growing in power. Holly is a great character to begin with, but she comes into her own over the course of Archangel’s Viper as the power within her strengthens and she must fight to stay herself. Added to that, someone has put a bounty on her head and to find out who that is, she must work with the one vampire who drives her completely mad.

Venom is one of the most powerful vampires on the planet. He’s also unique because of the way he was Made and he’s sometimes isolated, except from the few people he trusts enough to be close to. I’d been intrigued by Venom for some time and I really enjoyed learning about the man behind the viper eyes. Venom was as deadly and seductive as I’d expected, but he’s also quietly caring and has a hidden vulnerability that broke my heart. I absolutely loved Venom and Holly together. He has never treated her as broken, and his teasing brings the liveliness out of her when the darkness threatens. The two of them are unique and it’s their uniqueness which draws them together in the first place. The romance between Holly and Venom is slow to burn, and though it took a backseat to the main storyline, I honestly didn’t mind. Venom and Holly’s love story felt organic, and I loved seeing how their relationship changed and developed over the course of the story. I was rooting for these two and I liked that I didn’t always know how they’d make it out alive, never mind get their happily ever after.

Archangel’s Viper is the tenth book in Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series and I highly recommend reading the series in order. Much of the action in Archangel’s Viper takes place at the same time as the events of the previous book, Archangel’s Heart, and seeing what’s happening with the cast in New York while the rest of the principal characters are in Morocco helps give the world a more complete feel. With the Cascade in effect, there’s no pausing in action anywhere in the world of the angels and vampires we love. I finished Archangel’s Viper a well-satisfied reader and I cannot wait to see where Ms. Singh takes readers in the next Guild Hunter book.

Readers of Singh's Guild Hunter series met Holly (also known as Sorrow) in the first book, when she was attacked by Uram and became something other than human. In Archangel's Viper, Holly has grown up, moved on from some of her fears but her unique powers continue to grow and catch interest.
Holly and Venom have known each other for a few years at this point, with him previously in a trainer-type role for her, but now more of a bodyguard as there’s a bounty on her head. Holly’s strength is building but she’s not immortal; she could be killed while trying to be caught for this bounty. They’re also trying to figure out who put up the bounty in the first place. Is it related to Uram and why Holly is developing new skills?

If you’re looking for friends to lovers, I would describe this more of a colleagues to f*ck buddies to lovers story. They acknowledge their attraction to each other, decided to act on it without future expectations, but you know what they say about best-laid plans Their banter continues to be hilarious, and no, Venom doesn't drop her nickname even as he falls in love with her. I liked how their relationship was treated as a next step instead of a "why didn't we do this sooner?" situation. Neither of them were ready earlier.

We learn a lot more about Venom’s background and why he became a vampire. We knew before that Neha was his creator but now we know how it came about and what life was like for him as a human. I really liked how Singh tied in his history with how he cares for Holly, but I’m not going to spoil that.